Question

For some reason, this hasn't clicked yet. Can someone explain subtracting negative and positive integers? I get it when you put it in money terms, but when it's like this problem (-2 – 5 = -7) it just doesn't make sense. Please help, math nerds out there!

Answer 1

If both signs are positive, the answer will be positive.
Example: 14 - (-6) = 14 + 6 = 20
If both signs are negative, the answer will be negative.
Example: -14 - (+6) = -14 - 6 = -20
If the signs are different subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value. The sign will be the sign of the integer that produced the larger absolute value.
Example: 14 - (+6) = 14 - 6 = 8
Example: -14 - (-6) = -14 + 6 = -8
hopes this helps

Answer 2

Thank you! That's way more simple than some other ways it's been explained. Hopefully, this will actually "click" with me. Thanks again.

Answer 3

no prob have a nice day

Answer 4

You too!